Type N Thermocouple - technical Information
Type N - Nickel-Chromium-Silicon vs Nickel-Silicon, IEC 60584-1
Thermocouple Type N, was billed as the revolutionary replacement for the Type K thermocouple (the most common in industrial use), but without its drawbacks - Type N (Nicrosil-Nisil) exhibits a much greater resistance to oxidation-related drift at high temperatures than its rival, and to the other common instabilities of Type K in particular, but also the other base metal thermocouples to a degree. It can thus handle higher temperatures than Type K (1,280°C, and higher for short periods).
Type N Thermocouples - Typical Constructions and Styles
Type N Mineral InsulatedThermocouples


Thermocouples

Thermocouples

Type N Thermocouples

Type N Thermocouples

Basically, oxidation resistance is superior because of the combination of a higher level of chromium and silicon in the positive Nicrosil conductor. Similarly, a higher level of silicon and magnesium in the negative Nisil conductor form a protective diffusion barrier. The device also shows much improved repeatability in the 300°C to 500°C range where Type K’s stability is somewhat lacking (due to hysteresis induced by magnetic and/or structural inhomogeneities). High levels of chromium in the NP conductor and silicon in the NN conductor provide improved magnetic stability. Beyond this, it does not suffer other long term drift problems associated with transmutation of the high vapour pressure elements in mineral insulated thermocouple assemblies (mainly manganese and aluminium from the KN wire through the magnesium oxide insulant to the KP wire). Transmutation is virtually eliminated since the conductors contain only traces of manganese and aluminium. Finally, since manganese, aluminium and copper are not used in the NN conductor, stability against nuclear bombardment is much better.
Standardised in 1986 as BS EN 60584-1 Part 8 and subsequently published in IEC 60584, this relative newcomer to thermocouple thermometry has even been said to make all other base metal thermocouples (E, J, K and T) obsolete. Another claim by the more enthusiastic manufacturers and distributors is that it provides many of the rare metal thermocouple characteristics, but at base metal costs. In fact, up to a maximum continuous temperature of 1,280°C, depending on service conditions, it can be used in place of Type R and S thermocouples (which are between 10 and 20 times the price).
Although adoption of this sensor was slower than many anticipated, it is seeing ever greater use and this can only grow. There is now no doubt that it is indeed a fundamentally better thermocouple than its base metal rivals.
Type N - Technical Data
Conductor Combination | Approximate generated EMF change in µV per ºC change (referenced to 0ºC) at: |
Approximate Working Temperature Range |
Thermocouple Output Tolerances to IEC 60584-1 | |||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
+ Leg | - Leg | 100ºC | 500ºC | 1000ºC | Continuous | Short Term | Type | Class 1 | Class 2 | Class 3 |
NICKEL - CHROMIUM -SILICON Also known as: Nicrosil | NICKEL - SILICON - MAGNESIUM Also known as: Nisil |
30 | 38 | 39 | 0 to +1150ºC | -270 to +1300ºC | Temperature Range Tolerance Value Temperature Range Tolerance Value |
–40°C to +375°C ±1.5°C 375°C to 1000°C ±0.004⋅ |t| |
–40°C to +333°C ±2.5°C 333°C to 1200°C ±0.0075⋅ |t| |
–167°C to +40°C ±2.5°C –200°C to –167°C ±0.015⋅ |t| |
2. Thermocouple materials are normally supplied to meet the tolerances specified in the table for temperatures above –40 deg C. These materials however, may not fall within the tolerances for low temperatures given under Class 3 for Types T, E and K thermocouples. If thermocouples are required to meet limits of Class 3, as well as those of Class 1 and/or Class 2, the purchaser should state this, as selection of materials is usually required.
Cable Colour Codes for N Type Thermocouples
ASTM E 230 | IEC 60584-3 | Redundant national colour coding for thermocouple cables | ||
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BS 1843 | DIN 43714 | NFC 42324 | ||
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